Be Rid of Them All
Now Think On This
Steve Martin
“You are not to curse God, and you are not to curse a leader of your people.” (Exodus 22:27, Complete Jewish Bible)
Amazing isn’t it how so many seem to know it all, especially when it comes to speaking out against those in leadership. They criticize our President for every move he makes; they rail at those who are called to serve in protection of our neighborhoods and cities; they decry the pastor for speaking a word that they simply can’t agree with because it stepped on their toes. Every office and place of employment has one or two who know it all, even about running the business they receive their income from, without knowing all the facts.
“Be rid of them all!” often seems to be the outrageous outcry from the masses, marching in every city in bellowing pride and prejudice. With angry words, evil deeds and ammo that kills both soul and body, they shoot the backs of those given the role of leading themselves and others.
How foolish we have become when we curse those whom the Lord has put in power to govern and lead. Yes, we have become very foolish.
If you say you believe the Bible, and adhere to its words, then the verse about cursing our leaders should be taken seriously. Are we so high-minded to think that the eternal God who had those words written were only for the Old Testament times? I think not.
Regretfully, while acknowledging my own sin in times past, I have had my moments of speaking out against a boss, a pastor, an elected official, and even the one who wrote my speeding ticket. Out of my own arrogance and lack of respect, more than once have I spoken against those whom I should have had more appreciation and honor towards. But in my own foolishness I didn’t. I can see now where it had come back to bite me, when I was then in positions of leadership myself.
Yes, over 30 years of administration and leading others has taught me a lot about being the head of the pack. Now I am not so quick to point and accuse those who reside in those places of directing if I am not in agreement.
Over the generations, this lack of respect for leadership has worked itself down further into our society. There are families whose children demonstrate very little honor for their parents, teachers, and other classmates. They treat many with disdain and disregard for the position they hold. Their lack of wisdom shows itself strong in many cases. In years to come this internal and external rebellion will wreak havoc on our society more so than it is now. Ultimately it will be to their own demise. The Bible is correct when it firmly states that you will reap what you sow.
In Hosea 10:12-14 we find truth in this:
“Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you. You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice, you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your numerous warriors, therefore a tumult will arise among your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed…” (NASU)
I used to not pray for our leaders as much as I should have. Even though the Bible says that it will go well with us if we do, somehow that just doesn’t gel too much with many. It should if we really knew truth. Leading a tranquil and quiet life should be a desire of all.
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:1-4, NASU)
Next time you have the urge to criticize and ridicule one who holds a place of leadership, I would encourage you to think again. Would you be so eager to curse and speak against another if you fully realized it is to your own harm? Having a righteous concern over a matter is one thing. Calling down the fire of God is a whole other matter.
Let us be wise in our understanding and what comes forth from our hearts and ultimately our mouths. Bless and curse not. Pray for those in leadership.
Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).
Now think on this,
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
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Now Think On This #348 - in the year of our Lord 07.17.18 – “Be Rid of Them All”, Tuesday, 4:20 pm
